July Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

The month of July is known for being hot and humid in Florida, but the activities and events happening here at the Villages of Citrus Hills might be even hotter than the weather this month.

Whether you are looking for fun social events, opportunities to explore arts and education, competition on the golf course or tennis court, or just a great meal, there is something for you on the July calendar.

Social Events

This month’s social calendar is going to kick off on Sunday, July 7 when 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band takes the stage at the Activity Center Auditorium as part of the Sizzlin’ Summer Show Series.

Tickets are going to go quickly for this one, so make sure you get yours soon.

The Hampton Room will be hosting a Comedy Night with Rick Corso on Thursday, July 11 with cocktails at 6 pm followed by the show starting at 7 pm. Rick is a nationally touring comedian who has been featured in Showtime’s Comedy Club All-Stars and Comedy Central’s “The A-List.”

The Hampton Room will also be hosting another installment of Tasty Trivia Tuesday. The competition will take place on July 16, and the menu this month will feature Beef Tips Marsala and Roast Pork with Cinnamon Apple Glaze with plenty of sides and dessert.

The Hampton Room is going to close out the month with a wild time when DJ Butch Phillips shows up for the Hampton Hoedown on Friday, July 26.

This country-style dancing event will be a super casual party that includes lessons for all of your favorite line dances.

Arts & Education

Lunch & Learn is going to be back in the Garden Room on Tuesday, July 9 at 12 pm. This month's guest will be author Kelly Spence Cain, and the meal will include a Spinach Salad topped with Grilled Chicken Breast and Fresh Strawberries.

The Garden Room will also be hosting the Ageless Beauty Luncheon with Marie Grace on Tuesday, July 23. Marie will be discussing “Flawless Foundation Highlights & Contour” while everyone attending enjoys a Citrus Chicken Salad.

Golf, Tennis, & Pickleball

The Meadows Course is going to be the focal point of the golf action this month when it hosts the Firecracker Open on Saturday, July 6. Like all of the open tournaments at Citrus Hills, this will be a relaxed event that also includes lunch and beverages following the round.

If you are looking to step up your golf game this month, you might want to think about attending one of PGA/LPGA Pro Mary Slinkard’s Free Golf Clinics. Mary will be working with beginners on July 8, 9, and 10. Then she will be back to fine-tune intermediate golfers on July 16, 23, and 30.

Speaking of clinics, the Skyview Tennis Center will be hosting their monthly Free Beginners Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, July 9 at 11:30 am. You don’t even need to own your own racket to show up and have a great time at this event, but you might find yourself buying one after learning some of the fundamentals.

Pickleball is being promoted as “the fastest growing sport in America,” and that is certainly the case here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. You can learn all about this fun and exciting game by attending Pickleball 101 on the first Tuesday of the month at 1 pm or the third Thursday of the month at 6 pm.

Dinner Specials

The Fourth of July is obviously the biggest holiday event of the month, and Skyview Restaurant and The Grille are both going to be putting out impressive spreads. You can celebrate with entrees like Memphis Blues Ribs, Honey Barbecue Chicken, and Firecracker Grilled Salmon at Skyview from 12 pm to 4 pm, or you can head down to The Grille for similar specials and live music from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Skyview Restaurant is also going to be running “Summer Faire” specials every Friday night throughout the month of July that will include options like Roasted Cod, Baby Back Ribs, Butcher’s Block Beef Tips, and Aztec Chicken.

And you won’t want to miss National Hot Dog Day at The Grille on Wednesday, July 17. They will be serving up hot dog meals from 5 pm to 8 pm, and there will be a full toppings bar so you can create any kind of dog you like.

BellaVita Spa and Fitness

In between all of the fun things happening around the community this month, you might also want to book some time for self-care at BellaVita Spa. Their specials for the month include the BellaVita Flawless Facial and a Swedish Massage Special.

For what is traditionally considered to be a slower time of year here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, there is actually quite a bit on the schedule throughout the entire month. Make sure that you mark down your favorite options so that you don’t miss out on the fun!

5 Fun Ways to Spend a Day in Ocala

Located just an hour drive from the Villages of Citrus Hills, Ocala is one of the most unique destinations in all of Florida. There is a nearly endless number of things to do in and around this dynamic city, which makes it a perfect day trip destination for Citrus Hills residents.  

Whether you are interested in horseback riding and drag racing or shopping and art, there is something for everyone in Ocala. Let's take a quick look at five different ways to spend an exciting afternoon in "horse country." 

Horse Farm Tours 

Because horse culture is such an integral part of Ocala, the first option for visitors is always going to be one of the many horse farm tours like the one you will find at Gypsy Gold Farm.  

No one ever has a bad thing to say about a visit to Gypsy Gold Farm, which typically includes a tour of the massive 40-acre property. The tour is filled with stories about both the property and the heritage of the horses that are raised there.  

If you are looking for even more horse-related fun, there is also Farm Tours of Ocala. This fun adventure takes visitors on a walking tour that covers three different farm properties.  

Drag Racing History 

Visitors looking to experience something even faster than horse racing, the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is a popular Ocala attraction that will get your motor running.  

This museum is full of historic drag racing cars, and there is an additional building filled with a fabulous collection of antique cars. You will not be disappointed.  

The Great Outdoors 

Way back before things took off in Orlando, it was Silver Springs that was attracting people to visit sunny Florida. Silver Springs State Park is still an amazing place to visit any time of year, especially if you are interested in taking the glass bottom boat tour.  

For visitors who prefer flowers to boats, Sholom Park is a gorgeous 44-acre botanical garden that offers another option for enjoying the great outdoors in Ocala.  

Appreciation for the Arts 

One of Ocala's hidden gems is the diverse collection of artworks on display at the Appleton Museum of Art. This small little museum contains art ranging from ancient Greece all the way up to today's modern art, and walking through the facility is always a relaxing experience.  

Shopping & Dining 

Sometimes, the best days in Ocala are the ones that start out without any plan at all, and that is exactly the type of fun you can find wandering around downtown Ocala.  

Downtown Ocala features a fun combination of restaurants, boutique shops, and art exhibits that you won't find in other Florida towns. There are also a lot of historic buildings in this area, so make sure you take some time to let yourself wander around.  

With everything from horses to modern art available throughout the year, it's no wonder that Ocala is one of the most popular day-trip destinations for residents here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. The next time you are looking for a fun way to spend a day, head to Ocala and you are sure to find something amazing.

June Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Summer has officially arrived, and we are getting ready to enjoy every minute of it here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. While many of our friends and neighbors are spending their time up north over the next few months, there will be no shortage of exciting entertainment from the planners at the Activity Center.

If you are looking for fun opportunities to socialize with other members of our community, there will be many.

If competitive golf or tennis is what you are looking for, you can find it here.

And if a delicious dinner is what you are craving, we have got you covered there as well.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest and best activities and events happening around the Villages of Citrus Hills this month.

Social Events

Sports fans will be “in the know” at this month’s Tasty Trivia Tuesday on June 18 in the Hampton Room. The menu will include Sliced Turkey with Stuffing and Baked Ham with Pineapple Raisin Sauce, and all of the questions will be sports-related this month.

There will also be a brand new social event this month when Musical Bingo takes over the Activity Center on Thursday, June 20. This fun version of bingo features song titles and artists on the cards with a DJ playing clips instead of traditional bingo balls.

Art & Education

Betty’s Boutique will be hosting a fun Citrus Hills Fashion Show event in the Hampton Room on Thursday, June 13. Members attending this event will get to see all of the hottest summer fashion trends while enjoying a Citrus Chicken Salad with Warm Rolls and Key Lime Pie.  

Lunch & Learn will be back in the Garden Room on Tuesday, June 25. This month’s topic will be a Healthy Cooking Demo from The Grove Health & Rehabilitation Center, and the meal will include a delicious Plant-Based Burger and Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes. 

On Wednesday, June 26, Dr. Apama Bapat from Ayurveda Alternative Medicine will be leading a discussion on “The Science of Life” as part of the latest installment of Doc Talk.

Golf & Tennis

The biggest golf event of the month will be the Skyview Men’s Pinehurst Tournament taking place on June 10 and 11. This will be a two-man team event where all players hit from the white tees.

If your game isn’t quite up to competition level, then you’ll want to participate in one of the Free Golf Clinics with Mary Slinkard. She will be leading clinics for beginners on June 3, 4, and 5. Then the intermediate clinics will be back on June 11, 18, and 25. 

Anyone looking to get out on the tennis court for the first time this summer will want to attend the Free Beginner Tennis Clinic at the Skyview Tennis Center on Tuesday, June 11. As usual, the only requirement to participate is a pair of tennis shoes.

Dinner Specials

June is going to be a big month for steak lovers here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. Skyview Restaurant will be hosting Steak Nights on June 13 and 27, as well as a Prime Rib Feature every Saturday this month. Then The Grille will be serving up a selection of steaks during the Belmont Stakes (Get it? Steaks/Stakes?) on Saturday, June 8.

Other specials that you won’t want to miss at Skyview Restaurant this month include a Greek Night Buffet on Thursday, June 6 and a Spring Faire menu every Friday in June.

And if you are looking for a perfect Father’s Day destination on Sunday, June 16, The Grille is going to be offering some outstanding entrees that dad will love.

BellaVita Spa

June is also a perfect month to spend some quiet time indoors at BellaVita Spa, and they will be running a Father’s Day Massage Special and a Brightening Peel Special all month long.

No matter how you plan to spend your free time during the month of June, there are plenty of fun options in front of you here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. And don’t be afraid to try something a little outside your comfort zone this month!

BellaVita May 2019 Connections

From our Director of BellaVita Spa and Fitness, Lee Thompson.

 Wow! The Spa at BellaVita is fabulous. If you didn’t make it to the open house, please stop by anytime to see it for yourself. It will be our pleasure to show you around.

We have added some new services to the nail menu. You can now get the Dipping Powder System and a full set of acrylics done in our beautiful new manicure and pedicure salon.

Our skincare menu has been completely redone as well. We still have some of the services offered in our previous spa services menu, but we have added numerous new services that usually are only seen at medical spas.

• Microcurrent - This treatment re-energizes cells and tightens facial muscles by increasing muscle protein. It uses an alternating electrical current that works beneath the sensory nerves to tone, lift and revitalize skin’s appearance.

• Paraffin Wax Treatment - Wax facials have the ability to clean your pores, moisturize your face and relax you like nothing else can.

• Skin Scrubber Facial Treatment - Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, infuses nutrients into the skin and nourishes the dermal layer while improving blood circulation. It stimulates the production of elastin and collagen.

• Hydrodermabrasion with Oxygen Infusion - This is the only procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and anti-oxidant protection simultaneously.

• Chemical Peels Level 1, 2, & 3 - These elegant formulas include a combination of multiple exfoliating Gycolic and Lactic Acids, extracts of exfoliating fruit acids, with willow herb, aloe and coconut charcoal.

• Microdermabrasion - Delivers a steady effective stream of fine crystals directly onto the skin, removing dead surface skin cells and promoting even healing.

• Microneedling - This treatment uses a pen-shaped electric device that employs fine needles to penetrate the surface of the skin to rebuild elasticity and reduce the size of pores.

• LED Light Therapy - This works by emitting infrared lights (causing heat), in different wavelengths/spectrums, which have multiple skincare benefits.  

We have also added a waxing specialist to our staff to take care of all your hair removal needs, and have Microblading for brows coming soon!

May Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Whether you are ready for it or not, the month of May has officially arrived, and we are getting ready to kick off another summer season here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.  During the summer months, we tend to slow down on outdoor activities like golf and tennis, but we also pick up on fun social events and great dinner specials. And no matter what type of fun you are looking for around the community, there is something for just about everyone in May.  

Let's jump into the details and take a quick look at some of the most exciting events and activities happening around the Villages of Citrus Hills this month.  

Social Events 

The social fun will kick off right away with a 1950s Prom Dance taking over the Activity Center Auditorium on Saturday, May 4. In order to make it feel just like the high school dance from "Back to the Future," the theme is going to be "Enchantment Under the Sea" and there will be prizes for the best costumes! 

On Friday, May 10, the Vacationers Club is planning a bus trip to Tampa to see the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. The Rays are off to a hot start this year, and every game against the Yankees is going to be a close one, so this is a great chance to see the home team in action.  

If you're looking for a laugh, you won't want to miss comedian Alan Schubowsky performing in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, May 14. Alan has performed on huge stages all over the world, and he is going to be cracking up everyone in attendance for this special event.  

Tasty Trivia Tuesday will be back in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, May 21. Dinner this month will include Swiss Chicken, Bourbon Salmon, Potatoes Au Gratin, Broccoli with Red Pepper and Shallots, Salad, Rolls, and German Chocolate Cake.  

The biggest social event of May will actually be happening on the very last day of the month. That is when the Slice of Summer Poolside Party will be taking place at the Activity Center. DJ Benny Cruz will be playing all of your favorite songs by the pool at this exciting dance party under the stars.  

Arts & Education 

Dr. Trish Kallenbach will be speaking about Holistic Pet Nutrition in the Activity Center Auditorium on Tuesday, May 7 at 10 am. During her presentation, she will be covering everything you might want to know about how a healthier diet can improve your pet's lifestyle.  

The Healing Power of Music will be back in The Garden Room on Thursday, May 16 this month. Gayle Cohen will be focusing on topics like everyday stress, loss, divorce, and other issues while covering how music can help our bodies heal.  

Golf & Tennis 

The Oaks course will be hosting the Cinco de Mayo Open on Saturday, May 4 at 8:30 am. This will be one of the most enjoyable golf outings of the summer, so make sure you don't forget to sign up to participate.  

The more serious golf event this month will be the Men's Better Ball A/D - B/C tournament at Skyview on May 6 and 7. This exciting tournament is open to all Skyview members, and everyone will be playing from the white tees.  

If you are simply looking for a way to improve your golf game, we highly recommend heading out for one of the Free Golf Clinics with our resident expert, Mary Slinkard. There will be clinics for complete beginners on May 6, 7, and 8. Then there will be intermediate clinics on May 14, 21, and 28.  

The monthly Free Beginner Tennis Clinic at the Skyview Tennis Center will be happening on Tuesday, May 14 at 11 am. If you have been thinking about dusting off that old racket and need a refresher on some of the basics, this is the perfect place to get that.  

Dinner Specials 

Mother's Day meals are going to be big at Skyview Restaurant and The Grille this month. Both of our community restaurants will be celebrating with specials on Sunday, May 12. Skyview Restaurant will be serving up fabulous entrees, while The Grille is going to be the destination for anyone looking for a spectacular buffet-style offering. 

In addition to their Mother's Day special, Skyview Restaurant is also going to be hosting a Spring Wine Dinner on Tuesday, May 7 and a Turkey Buffet on Thursday, May 23.  

Not to be outdone, The Grille is staking its claim as the place to be on Memorial Day for a first-class summer BBQ Buffet featuring everything from Baby Back Ribs to Smoked Brisket.  

The Tiki Bar is going to be the place to be on the first weekend of the month with a huge party for the Kentucky Derby on May 4 that will be almost immediately followed by another wild party for Cinco de Mayo on May 5.  

In addition to all of the events that the people at the Activity Center have planned for the month of May, there are also some fantastic Mother's Day specials happening all month long at BellaVita Spa.  

Whether you are planning to hit all of the social events or are booking some private time for yourself at the spa, make sure you have a great month here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.